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When I was a kid, I used to walk to the movie house. I'd look at the flag in the courthouse square. I always will remember how good it made me feel. My feelings actually went beyond just a good, warm feeling, the sight of that flag made me feel safe, and loved. That flag has always made me feel that way.
The sight of that flag always made me think that I could do anything, and so many times it proved my feeling right. I used to take the flag down at our house when I was a kid. I remember feeling the stitches and thinking that it is a piece of many cloths, sewn together by delicate thread. But, when it was all together it was a symbol of the greatest love, and the greatest strength this world has ever seen.I remember thinking that as long as I could see that flag I would always be home.
When I was a young lad of 19 years I went half way around the world to fight a war for that flag, and all it stood for. I was scared, and I was lonely, till I saw that flag, then I was home. I was eating dinner with my family, I was kissing my girl goodnight, I was looking at the stars in my backyard. As we left base camp for a 3 week patrol I would stand, silent and still, for a moment looking at the flag. A tear would come to my eye, and a prayer on my lips..."God, make me good enough to die for my country if I must, and make me good enough to live for it if I can".
Well, He must of had a higher purpose for me, because here I am, typing this. Today I raised that flag, just after dawn. I took it in my hands and I looked at those little stitches that hold together those pieces of cloth. I had a shudder of life run up my spine, and a tear came to my eye. A great banner of many cloths held together by those little stitches. That flag protects me, and my family. It makes us feel safe, it brings us home, it gives us comfort, it binds us together and makes us one. Those little stitches holding together those pieces of varied cloth, they bring me home and protect me.
As my flag took it's first breath of the morning breeze it snapped and started flying, proudly in that breeze. I felt so safe standing there under it. It was shouting it's defiance against enemies, it was waving it's call of unity and freedom for all Americans. It reminded me that I was a part of the greatest thing that mankind has ever done. I could almost hear those little stitches say..."We'll hold these pieces of cloth together, and we'll do it as long as it takes. When we are done, and we can't do it anymore there will be more of us to do this thing again, and again, and again". These are the little stitches that keep our nation together. They are you and I, they are your neighbor, and your crazy cousin. They are Freepers, and the Robinsons, and all the "faithful". We're all little stitches that hold together the pieces of cloth that make up our nation. When we see it, we feel safe, and we walk home, unafraid.
Timy
Today our President gave the first Medal of Honor to Army Capt. Rocky Versace, POW, who was executed by his Viet Cong captors in 1965. His story is an amazing one of heroism and bravery. He kept firing even after being wounded in the knee in order to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. He was captured and was tortured. Then while a POW,.. he spoke in French and other languages to tell his captors to "Go to Hell". The day he was executed,.. he was last heard to be singing "God Bless America".
Here is a picture of his brother getting the Medal of honor for him. Look at the face of our President during this ceremony. He was truly touched by the life this soldier gave. When he was looking at the family,.. you knew he truly cared.
There's a hero
If you look inside your heart
You don't have to be afraid
Of what you are
There's an answer
If you reach into your soul
And the sorrow that you know
Will melt away
And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you
It's a long road
When you face the world alone
No one reaches out a hand
For you to hold
You can find love
If you search within yourself
And the emptiness you felt
Will disappear
And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you
Lord knows
Dreams are hard to follow
But don't let anyone
Tear them away
Hold on
There will be tomorrow
In time
You'll find the way
And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
Aviators Rescued Following Tomcat Crash
Story Number: NNS020708-14
7/8/2002
From Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Two crewmen were rescued today after their F-14 "Tomcat" crashed off the Virginia Capes. The aircraft was from Fighter Squadron 101 (VF 101) based at NAS Oceana.
The two-man crew, an instructor pilot and a replacement pilot, successfully ejected from the aircraft and were rescued by a U.S. Coast Guard "Jayhawk" helicopter from the Coast Guard Air Station at Elizabeth City.
They were transported to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth where they are reported in good condition. A thorough medical evaluation is being conducted.
The aircraft was on a routine training mission when the accident happened.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
:
Good night.
Needless to say, I am deeply touched by your words and truly appreciate them.
In April I returned to Parris Island to keep a promise made to my 16-year old grandson, planning it to coincide with the day the globe and anchor emblems were awarded to a graduating Lima Company.
There were six platoons comprising it, and as we arrived in the morning, they were on the Parade Deck practicing for the most impressive afternoon ceremony before their families and friends.
From the moment we got aboard the base, I was transformed into exactly how I was fifty years ago when I first stepped on the hallowed ground..:))
My adrenaline was running strongly, and before noon Kyle was badly lagging behind, and by day's end dragging!
Somehow I was back in 'right guide mode', and every bit as tall and proud as when I was instructing women recruits in classroom subjects there.
Things were both familiar and quite changed on base - the wooden barracks (no a/c) of my time replaced by brick ones.
The memories truly flowed . . .
I was aboard when the Corps was at its greatest buildup in its history, men trained minimally and shipped to fight in Korea.
I know your feelings now, and assure you they will only deepen through your lifetime, whether either of you are career or not.
If you click on my name, you will go to my Profile Page and see the Before and After Corps pictures, including the one by the Iwo Jima Monument for which I was "A" Company Guidon Bearer in its dedication in August of 1952.
May God guide and bless you two and all our military present and past, and your families and loved ones.
